August is American Adventures Month – so go on. Have an adventure. (I’ll wait.)
Seriously, loads of us in the library profession will tell you that you can explore the world without ever leaving the library because A) it’s true and B) we want you to use your library.
A library is a great place to be, and can sometimes be a destination in itself. See Travel and Leisure for some great examples of this, both in the U.S. and abroad: http://www.travelandleisure.com/slideshows/most-beautiful-libraries-in-the-world. Here are a few more examples in the states http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/07/01/library-photos_n_5545321.html, which range from architectural gems like the Central Library in Seattle to the Mockingbird Branch Library in Abilene, Texas, a former storefront located in a strip mall near a Super Bingo and a Family Dollar store.
Incidentally, I’m writing this from a library that’s located in a renovated Walmart building in a strip mall with a Dollar General a few doors downs and a Burger King just across the parking lot. This library houses numerous historical displays that focus on once vibrant local communities that no longer exist and so much more…which brings up a great point.
If we’re going to have an adventure, why bother visiting a library? Simply put, a library is representative of its community and offers a wealth of information about the community.
The library likely won’t be your sole destination.
But during your trip, wherever you decide to travel, a library can provide valuable intel on the place you’re visiting. Along with displays about the local area, you’ll encounter library workers who are members of that community and, most often, friendly and eager to assist. As such, they can help orient you to the area with directions, point out areas of local interest (and maybe even what to skip), provide information on food and lodging, and lots more.
Stop by the library for any numbers of reasons, and before you embark on your adventure, drop by your own local library. Before you set out, the library can help in planning and getting the most out of your trip.
Your library has guide books for many popular travel spots that are available for check out to library cardholders, as well as other books and, depending on the destination, DVDs that offer info, great travel tips or information about the history of your destination and the people who call it “home.”
You can also use the library’s computers to do trip research, to book flights or hotel stays, or print out boarding passes or hotel or rental car confirmations.
By the way, if you’re opting for an adventure soon and you’re a Lafourche Parish library cardholder, take Garcon, the library’s traveling mascot. He’s an adventurer himself who’s visited five continents to date, including South America, Europe, Africa, and Antarctica. Ask about checking him out at your local branch library, and bring back a photo or two of him on your adventure for us to display when you return him.
Lastly, be safe and happy travels.